As our awareness of environmental issues grows, all of us — both consumers and businesses — are finding new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and do our part to protect our planet. The event industry is no exception to this shift.
 

Why sustainable events matter

With climate change and environmental issues at the forefront of global concerns, sustainable events are no longer just a trend; they are essential. Not only are they good for the planet but they are also in line with environmentally-friendly business practices and play a huge role in establishing your company’s brand and image.
 

This goes beyond meeting your organisation’s sustainability targets. Rather, it’s about matching the values of your attendees. More and more consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are choosing to support and buy from brands that are committed to sustainability. Organising eco-friendly events is, therefore, key to appealing to younger generations.
 

Let’s make your next event more eco-friendly

For event managers, organising green events can sometimes be challenging. How can you deliver an exceptional experience while keeping within the budget and meeting sustainability targets on top of everything? It can be a tricky balance to strike, but not impossible!
 

In this blog post, we will share eight practical tips you can implement to make your next event more sustainable. Follow this guide to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and show your commitment to responsible, forward-thinking business practices.
 

8 practical tips to make your event more sustainable

Making eco-conscious choices when planning an event might be easier than you think. Here are eight ways to make your next event more eco-friendly:

#1: Choose a certified sustainable venue for your event

One of the simplest yet most impactful actions you can take to make your next event more sustainable is choosing an eco-conscious venue.
 

By hosting your event at a venue that has energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, waste-reduction programmes, and more already in place, you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your event.
 

To find sustainable venues in Austria, look for certified Green Events Locations. These are venues that have made an ongoing commitment to meet rigorous environmental standards and are licensed with the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events.

#2: Say no to single-use plastic

Yes, convenience is key, especially at large events — but it can be achieved without adding to the pile of single-use plastic that is already littering our planet. Most soft plastics are difficult to recycle, making them a nightmare for both our environment and the waste management at your event.
 

Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid single-use plastic at your event:
 

• Use re-usable tableware: ceramic plates, glass or ceramic cups, and metal cutlery.
   

• Wherever it’s not possible to use re-usable products, choose biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic, such as bamboo-based cutlery.
   

• Reduce packaging material where possible and ensure any packaging material that is used is either recyclable or biodegradable.
   

• Avoid single sachets of sugar, salt, or coffee, opting for salt shakers and other dispensers instead.
   

• Encourage guests to bring water bottles and refill them at drinking stations.